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Foden's at Crewe Lyceum 28th August

On Sunday 28th August Foden's will make a welcome return to the historic Crewe Lyceum.

Foden's are the only artists who have appeared at the original Alfred Darbyshire designed Lyceum and the Alfred Darbyshire 'NewTheatre' built in 1911.

The bands first appearance at the old Lyceum was on the 19th September 1909 where they presented 2 Concerts at 3.30pm and 8pm after celebrating a win at the Belle View September contest for the “Open Championship”. Foden's had come first at their very first attempt and had been conducted by William Rimmer for the rehearsals but it was Edward Wormald who led them to victory.

On the 11th March 1910 the original theatre suffered a fire and was burnt to the ground. By the 11th September 1910 the architect Albert Winstanley had erected the theatre we know today and on the 15th October 1911 Foden's made their second visit to Heath Street in Crewe with a concert in aid of the Crewe Cottage Hospital.

Crewe had more sacred concerts on the 5th December 1915 and 29th October 1916 with Private Edwin Firth (Cornet) returning to the band for two more concerts on the 21st October 1917 (he had joined the 28th London Regiment,the Artists Regiment). In February 1918 his company were posted to France and Edwin decided to borrow a battered cornet he had found in the band room so he could keep his lip in leaving behind his main instrument for his return. This appearance at the “New Theatre Crewe” as it was known would be his last as he was killed serving his country on the 1st June 1918 aged 29.

Speaking about the forthcoming concert Mark Wilkinson commented 'Foden's are once again looking forward to appearing at the Lyceum following last years successful appearance at a venue that holds historical importance to the band. The programme is entitled 'Stage and Screen' and includes popular classics that will also feature a number of the bands soloists before concluding with a Last night of the Proms set'

The concert starts at 2.30pm and tickets can be purchased via 01270 368 242 with discounts for group bookings

For any conductor and every audience, Foden’s Band is a musical Magic Carpet. It continually takes the listener to places that few other ensembles rarely even approachHoward Snell